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...someone might tell me how to start a new post on the Sailnet Forum?

Just go to the forum you want (Click on 'forums' and then the topic of interest). To start a new thread (I assume that's what you really meant) - at the top left of all the listed threads is a "new thread" button. Click it and you're away!

11-29-2009 08:34 PM

akin_alan

I just bought a 30' Grampian 1974 model. Great boat, has been well taken care of. I have developed a morning cough however within the past few weeks of owning it and sleeping on it often. Does this sound like a mildew problem. The boat doesn't smell at all. The bilge has some dirty water in it that I found recently but its down low and the inside seems quite dry. Also someone might tell me how to start a new post on the Sailnet Forum?

11-11-2009 08:36 AM

hellosailor

These are not conflicting ideas, they are just two different solutions. Both work. But you've got the airflow concept wrong. It is not about "equalizing" anything, it is about moving enough fresh air through the boat to ABSORB the moisture and move it out. Pretty much the same way that chemical absorbers work, except the "chemical" here is the (usually) drier outside air.

Use whichever fits your budget and convenience.

11-11-2009 03:05 AM

Biker7Sailor

Severe Mildew/moisture/condensation

Have had severe condensation and therefore mildew problems on my 28 Hunter. Hopefully, I got rid of the mildew/mold by lots of cleaning and the liberal use of an ozone generator. Now to the source of the problem....condensation on the underside of the deck. There are no other sources of moisture...bidge is bone dry.

I do have 2 nicro solar/battey ventilators and I will replace the batteries but........
After extensive research, I see that there are 2 theories about eliminating condensation and mildew.
1. First idea is massive ventilation..equalizing moisture between in/out resulting in no condensation. Lots of flowing air.
2. Second idea is humidity reduction via: chemical absorbers, light bulbs, heaters, dehumidifiers..resulting in a dry boat.

Are these conflicting ideas. Does one work better than the other. Is it better to seal up and dry the boat, or ventilate it???

10-17-2009 05:21 PM

ElMysterioso

You might be in trouble, any mildew will eventually disengrate Ultrasuede.
Spots will darken then weaken. Maybe try sealing it with ScotchGuard.
Good luck.

09-21-2009 12:50 PM

Fidelity

Mildew - New Upholstery

Has anyone noted major mildew problems with Ultrasuede?

09-04-2006 03:10 PM

sailingdog

jswwrites-

It would be nice if you could tell us what 3M product you're recommending.

09-04-2006 02:41 PM

jswwrites

mildew hater

Mildew is one of my biggest hot buttons, living in the South. HATE IT. ugh. Obviously, ventilating is the main key, but even that won't cut it here. One has to go on the offensive...!

3M has a great mildew remover product. I wouldn't use it on cloth or wood, but it's great on fiberglass, vinyl, and I just used it on our deck furniture and umbrella with great results. They also have a product to help prevent mildew, after you've gotten rid of it. On wood (where it does grow down here in the humidity!), you can use a bleach or vinegar solution, or even the 3M product if you get it off in the time it says. A stiff brush and mild bleach solution are probably best, though.

For upholstery, if your cushions are in OK shape (after cleaning), you can get a moisture barrier put on the foam (what they do for outdoor cushions for your home). You can also use Sunbrella fabric to slipcover, which can be thrown in the wash with bleach a hundred times (even the colored stuff) and come out looking great. I had 2 couches covered Sunbrella, one white, one white with green stripes, when my kids were little and dogs were shedding, and they looked great way longer than the couches held up! We will be redoing all the cushion upholstery in our Newport 33 this fall, and I will be using 100% Sunbrella with wrapped foam inserts.

Good luck!

09-04-2006 02:11 PM

hellosailor

The best way to get rid of mildew is to remove ALL cloth and upholstery from the boat. The cushions can go out for professional cleaning (they steam right through them) or if they are that old, it is probably worth replacing them outright with new. If there's a headliner, it needs to come down.
Bleach rinsing all over the interior will kill mildew, but it will come back if the boat is not keep dry and ventilated. About the only way I know to assure that is to install the solar vents, which will do a better job than leaving open anything else.
Remember, you don't want to get rid of the mildew SMELL, you need to get rid of the mildew itself, then the smell will also go away. Once you've got it as clean as you can, you might want to close up the boat and run an ozone generator in it for a week or two. The ozone will penetrate every space and kill the rest of the mildew. Concentrated ozone also isn't good for human beings and it makes rubber and plastic brittle after extended contact, so you'd want to do that as a one-shot and then use something like ArmorAll on all the plastic afterwards, to counteract some of the damage.

There are also mildecides and "quaternary" (sp?) agents that will prevent mildew from coming back, but if you keep it well ventilated you shouldn't need them.

09-04-2006 02:01 PM

Gene T

Keep looking, it is possible to find boats that are well cared for. There is a huge difference in conditions of boats. We recently sold our 1978 boat and are having a very difficult time finding a newer boat in as nice a condition. Most recent was a 1997 that I couldn't believe could be so poorly cared for. You can clean and redo all the cushions, but it is difficult or near impossible to clean the mildew out between the hull and liner in most of these boats.

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